Acts 22:17-21 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; Note that — I. WHEN GOD HAS ANY GREAT WORK TO ACCOMPLISH, HE WILL NOT WANT PROPER MEANS TO EXECUTE IT. The call of the Gentiles had been the purport of many a prophecy. The era was now arrived when it should be realised; and while the apostles, influenced by Jewish prejudice, neglected this enterprise, God raised up Paul. Men may often project gigantic enterprises, but want the means of executing them. Nay, man may not only be incompetent to provide the means, but be incapable of contriving them, or even of imagining what they should be. But God's understanding and ability are infinite. If He contemplate the end, He can also command the means. He can construct the lever which shall move the world. II. GOD OFTEN FITS INSTRUMENTS PROSPECTIVELY FOR HIS PURPOSE. Wisdom largely consists in improving means already prepared, and few men know how to do that effectually; but God can provide the means beforehand, and adapt them, with the most consummate skill, to the end in view. He had been previously fitting Paul by his training "at the feet of Gamaliel," by his proficiency in the Greek tongue, and by his acquaintance with the learning of the heathen world. So was it in the cases of Moses, David, etc., and so it is still; and as that diamond is ripening silently in its bed, under the agency of the hidden processes of nature, which is afterwards to shine in the diadem of the prince and brighten the splendours of empire, so the servants of God are often, unconsciously to themselves, preparing for a destination which neither they nor their friends had before contemplated. III. GOD NEVER SUFFERS THE POWERS WHICH HE HAS CONFERRED UPON ANY OF HIS SERVANTS TO REMAIN LONG UNUSED. Men, if left to themselves, may suffer their talents to rust, their energies to slumber, and may not perceive when they ought to start in the career of usefulness. But when the time is come that God hath set, then the instrument He has prepared shall be introduced. No sooner, accordingly, was Paul converted than he cries out, "What shall I do?" So when Cornelius and his household had been prepared, Peter is sent for, and is found ready; and the vision "of the man of Macedonia" caused Paul to gather that the Lord had called him to preach the gospel in that unthought of region. IV. IT BELONGS TO GOD TO FIX THE SCENE OF THE MINISTRY OF EACH OF HIS SERVANTS. He prescribed to Paul, when "He said unto him, Depart," whither he should go in general: and in the course of his travels the great Master always guided the steps of this His missionary. And to Him this prerogative still belongs; and surely it well becomes a servant of God to consult His mind and will, and to submit with alacrity to the heavenly destination in such matters. Woe to him if he consults with secular and selfish interests! Should he, like Jonah, decline any service to which God calls him, he shall find that God can follow him. V. THE REGION TO WHICH A MINISTER OF GOD IS DESTINED MAY BE GREATLY REMOTE. Most frequently He allows His servants to labour in their own country. Thus the eleven apostles continued to minister in Judaea, while Paul went forth to the Gentiles. Nor in vain. His servant obeyed, and was blessed. So Abram, being called of God to follow Him to a land unknown, "by faith went out, not knowing whither he went," and God prospered him greatly. VI. WITH THE DIVINE COMMISSION IN HIS HAND, NO MINISTER OF THE LORD JESUS NEED FEAR TO GO WHEREVER HIS GREAT MASTER SHALL SEND HIM. Far be it for us to make light of the difficulties connected with a mission of this character. Still the Lord is everywhere with His servants, and he who trusts Him shall not want support, even in a strange land, and amid an unknown people. VII. THE WORK TO WHICH GOD CALLS HIS SERVANTS EVERYWHERE, at home and abroad, is GREAT AND HONOURABLE — glorifying to Himself and beneficial to man (Acts 26:16-18). Think upon — 1. The character of the work: it is highly intellectual and spiritual, holy and heavenly. 2. The subject of it. "Should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." 3. The object of it — to save perishing souls. 4. The issue of it. It leads to an acceptance the most honourable, to a commendation the most enrapturing, to rewards the most glorious. VIII. THROUGH DIVINE MERCY, THE SUCCESS OF SUCH MISSIONARIES WILL BE PROPORTIONED TO THE DIFFICULTY OF THE ENTERPRISE AND THE DIGNITY OF THE WORK. When Paul began his course no instrument could appear more inadequate, no attempt more unpromising. Yet what mighty success attended the ministry of the devoted apostle! Conclusion: Learn — 1. The great and universal rule of Christian obedience. It is to comply in all things with the Divine will. 2. The glory of Divine grace as a practical principle. You see in the example of Paul what it will prompt a man to undertake and to achieve. 3. The best sphere of duty — that which God assigns, be it abroad or at home. 4. The blessed consequences of simple devotedness in a servant of God. (J. Mitchell, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; |
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